Freestyle

What’s Involved?

In competition you have a run (usually of 45 seconds) to put together all your best tricks and try to score as many points as possible. Each trick has a score based on it’s difficulty and depending on whether it involves spins, vertical moves etc. To get a really good score you need a variety of tricks.

The vast majority of people just do playboating for fun rather than in competitions – in fact there aren’t many competitions in the UK.

Why do it?

Fun – just enjoy doing tricks

To look cool – pulling of impossible looking moves

Better paddling skills – increased awareness in you paddling

Where can I try it?

There are people who do play boating at the club, who can be seen doing their tricks on the white water course.

In terms of competing, opportunities are limited.

What do I need?

A play boat. The club has some that you can use to get started – 5 suitable for juniors and small adults and one for larger adults. As you improve you will probably want to get your own boat which you can fit out to suit you. Once you know what boat you want, there is usually a good second hand market both at the club and on canoeing website.

How do I progress?

Lots of practice to develop your skills and repertoire of tricks. We run coached sessions and people are happy to give people pointers to improve. Once thing you will need to develop quickly is a good eskimo roll.